Ajax youngsters lose to Nordsjaelland

On Saturday, Ajax lost its first friendly of the day in Putten. In Gelderland, FC Nordsjaelland was too strong, 1-3. All of the goals were scored in the second half, and Dean Solomons saved the Amsterdam team’s honour in extra time.

After the game, coach Erik ten Hag travelled to Hattem, where friendly match number 2 was to take place against Steaua Bucharest.

Formidable opponent

A very young Ajax team saw action in Putten, with many of last season’s players from the reserves and the U19s. The young guns found Nordsjaelland to be a formidable opponent.

Nordsjaelland was in Putten for a dress rehearsal. The Danish completion resumes in one week. Last season’s number 3 team started off strong and had turned up dangerously in front of Kostas Lamprou’s goal twice within 5 minutes. The tone had been set by the Danes, who created the most opportunities in the first half.

Outstanding attack

But still, Ajax had dibs on the best. After a quick breakaway and good pass by Ché Nunnely, Hassane Bandé took a shot, but the Nordsjaelland keeper stopped what would have been fine goal for the Amsterdam team.

After the break, Nordsjaelland maintained the upper hand. This led to the opening goal. Benjamin van Leer, who can come in for Kostas Lamprou in the second half, let go, and Andreas Olsen pulled the trigger: 0-1. In the rest of the game, the Ajacieds brought too little to the table, except for an opportunity for Kaj Sierhuis. His shot went wide.

Honour saved by Solomons

Nordsjaelland was more dangerous, but wasn’t always on target. Especially Godsway Donyoh lacked sharpness. But still, his team scored a second and even a third goal, via Karlo Bartolec and Rasmussen. Solomons saved face for Ajax in extra time thanks to a well-measured free kick.